Small village wins big parking row

Retailers in Claygate, Surrey, are celebrating a "fantastic victory" after their potent campaign forced Surrey County Council to make a u-turn on metered parking plans.

Claygate will now be excluded from the Surrey-wide parking charging plans set to be implemented in towns and villages across the county this autumn. However, thanks also to the Claygate campaign, those in the other areas will be granted an initial 30-minutes free parking.

Convenience store owner Sully Kurrum, who owns Johnstons in Claygate high street, said the victory was a huge relief. "Had the charges gone ahead the impact on our business would have been devastating," she said. "We rely on our local residents, and parking metres would have prompted many to visit superstores instead."

"At long last the council has accepted that its business case for introducing pay and display in Claygate was flawed," local councillor and campaign organiser Steve Wells added. "The decision shows what can be achieved when our community comes together."